Hi, I’m Doug Smith, a social entrepreneur, innovator, and adventurer at heart!

Founder of two social enterprises: Peleyta Health - a digital platform bridging the healthcare financing gap in Africa & sportrise an African inspired sports brand revolutionizing sports in Africa by creating durable, affordable, and authentically African sports products. As the creators of the LULU Football—an innovative and highly admired product in East Africa—our footballs are proudly crafted locally in Uganda and Kenya.

Haha never mind, I just love talking about entrepreneurship and hearing how people are solving some of the most pressing problems in their communities.

When I’m not working or tinkering with ideas, I’m outdoors soaking in nature, playing football, or connecting with people from different walks of life. I’m an easy-going person, always curious about cultures, and enjoy exchanging ideas and learning from others.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I believe in the power of human connection and that everyone has something valuable to share. Couchsurfing is an exciting way to meet like-minded people, discover new cultures, and make lifelong memories. Whether it’s sharing entrepreneurial insights, swapping travel tips, or just enjoying a good conversation, I’m all in.

What I Can Share

Stories and lessons from building startups in Africa.
My perspective on innovative solutions for community challenges.
Ugandan culture, from food to traditions.
A hearty laugh and a willingness to learn from you!
Looking forward to connecting, sharing experiences, and making new friends along the way.

Interests

• walking
• clubbing
• traveling
• music
• food
• football
• foodie
• sunsets

Music, Movies, and Books

My Favorite Music
I have a diverse taste in music that reflects my love for different cultures and experiences. I enjoy African rhythms like Afrobeat and highlife, artists like Burna Boy and Yemi Alade, and soulful Ugandan music. I also appreciate reggae legends like Bob Marley and contemporary vibes from John Legend and Ed Sheeran. Whether it’s something to dance to or relax with, I’m always up for good tunes!

My Favorite Movies
I’m drawn to movies that inspire, entertain, and tell meaningful stories. Some of my all-time favorites include The Pursuit of Happyness for its resilience, Black Panther for its celebration of African heritage, and Inception for its mind-bending creativity. I also enjoy documentaries, especially those exploring social issues and entrepreneurship.

My Favorite Books
I love reading books that expand my worldview and fuel my entrepreneurial spirit. Some of my favorites include Shoe Dog by Phil Knight for its startup lessons, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho for its life wisdom, and Born a Crime by Trevor Noah for its humor and insight into South African history. I also enjoy motivational reads and anything that sparks curiosity!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I co-founded Peleyta Health, a platform leveraging technology to help people in Uganda save for healthcare, ensuring no one struggles financially to access medical services. Seeing our work transform lives and empower communities has been incredibly fulfilling. Another highlight was winning the WorldRemit Future Stars Prize, which enabled me to share my passion for football and education with young people in my community.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach
I can teach you about entrepreneurship, especially in the context of building impactful ventures in Africa. Whether it’s brainstorming innovative ideas, sharing lessons from starting Peleyta Health and Sportrise, or insights on social change, I’m happy to help. I can also teach you a bit about Ugandan culture, football skills, and the art of storytelling.

Learn
I’m always eager to learn! I’d love to hear about your culture, traditions, and personal experiences. Whether it’s new recipes, travel tips, or life philosophies, I’m all ears. I’m also interested in learning new languages, coding skills, or anything creative that expands my perspective.

Share
I’d love to share my journey as a social entrepreneur, my passion for innovation, and stories about Uganda—its people, traditions, and hidden gems. I can also share entrepreneurial tips, inspiring books, or just a good laugh and meaningful conversations.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I bring a positive attitude, meaningful conversations, and a genuine curiosity to connect and learn from others. I can share stories about life in Uganda, my journey as a social entrepreneur, and insights into African culture. If you’re curious about startups, I’d love to exchange ideas or offer tips from my experience building ventures like Peleyta Health and Sportrise.

I can also whip up a simple Ugandan dish, teach you a few phrases in my local language, or show you some football tricks. And if you’re into music, we can exchange playlists or enjoy a jam session together. Above all, I aim to leave a positive impression and contribute to a great experience for both of us.

Countries I’ve Visited

England, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates

Countries I’ve Lived In

Uganda